Future of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is still reeling from two devastating hurricanes last September and an 11-year recession, which have renewed a bitter debate over the U.S. territory's political status. Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged or destroyed nearly 500,000 homes and battered the antiquated electric system, leaving millions without power or shelter and badly hurting the already weak economy. Four months later, 40 percent of Puerto Ricans still lack electricity, and recovery is stymied by what critics say is mismanagement of the government-owned utility and the Trump administration's indifference. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico declared bankruptcy before the storms after saying it could not make payments on its $73 billion public debt. In Maria's aftermath, more than 100,000 Puerto Ricans have migrated to Florida or elsewhere, and demographers say the island could lose 14 percent of its population by the end of 2019, further weakening its economy. The struggles have revived debate about whether Puerto Rico should become the 51st state. Advocates say statehood would reinvigorate the island's economy, but opponents say Puerto Rico should focus on economic and political reforms instead.